Refrigerating system



Oct M, T1933. A. c. DENSLOW 1,930,225

' REFRIGERATING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 22. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 gmoemtoz@1491 6. W 33313 a f tom;

Oct. 10, 1933. A. c. DENSLOW 1,930,225

REFRIGERATING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 22, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Svwemboz LOW 'Oct. 10, 1933.

Patented Oct. 10, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REFRIGERATING SYSTEMApplication December 22, 1928 Serial No. 327,809

2 Claims.

The present improvements relate, in general, to refrigeration and moreparticularly to the field thereof relating to domestic units adapted tocool beverages, manufacture ice, preserve perishable goods, etc.

A primary object, among others, of the present' improvements is toprovide a novel beverage cooler as well as an artificial icemanufacturing unit which is of rugged and durable construction,automatic and economical in its operation and which not only has aminimum of parts but also affords constant and great length of servicewithout attention or addition of materials.

A further object is to provide a novel and efficient refrigerating.system which is devoid of certain moving parts such as valves,regulators, etc. in common use with known devices.

Another object is to provide a novel combination of a refrigerant andanother fluid medium, one of which may serve as a vehicle for the other,the fluid medium serving as a lubricant for the mechanical parts as wellas a non-mechanical regulator or liquid valve.

A further object is to provide a novel method or process ofrefrigeration as well as a method of concurrent refrigeration andlubrication and a novel method of regulating the conversion of aliquid'under high pressure to a vapor. Means for practicing these andother methods constitute another object of the improvements.

A still further object is to provide a valveless refrigeration cyclewhich will be automatic and dependable in its operation.

Other objects include the provision of a novel form of compressor forcompressing a gas in combinatlon with a refrigerating area, novellubrieating means for both the compressor and motor therefor, improvedbeverage supply means as well as a novel service reservoir, an improveddischarge outlet for a compressed refrigerant, novel shaft packing meansand numerous others.

In general, an object is to generally improve and increase theefliciency of refrigerating de-- vices as a whole, of all parts thereofand to reduce vibration and noise of such units.

Other objects and advantages of the present improvements will beapparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the accompanyingspecification and drawings in which Figure 1 a side view of a beveragecooler embodying the present improvements, some parts in section, othersin elevation and others broken away-for convenience in illustration.

- Figure 2 is a partially diagrammatic plan view of a portion of therefrigerating system looking in the direction of the arrows on Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a layout of the organization embodied in Figure 1,illustrating diagrammatically, the arrangement of parts and method ofoperation.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the expansion chamber and connectedparts.

Figure 5 illustrates a modified form of orifice member.

Figure 6 is a modified form of overflow connection.

Figure 7 is a modified detail.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal vertical section of the compressor with shaftand pistons removed.

Figure 9 is a view of the shaft and piston assembly.

Figure 10 is a lateral vertical section through a cylinder of thecompressor with operative parts in position.

Figure 11 is a view of the improved packing member.

Figure 12 is a partial view of an ice manufacturing unit.

Referring to the drawings, wherein one embodiment of the presentimprovements is illustrated, the cabinet 10 is preferably formed ofmetal or other durable material and may be suitably coated or otherwiseornamented to preserve the material thereof, as well as to provide aneat article of furniture. A sturdy bottom is provided for the cabinetby the base boards 11 and 12 separated by a layer of hair felt or otherinsulation, said boards being suitably held together in the illustratedposition in any manner, as by screw bolts. Superposing board 12, is acushion ply 13 of any suitable material, but preferably comprising alayer of rubber hose upon which rests the base or foundation 14 of themotor and other parts. Such base 14 is bolted as illustrated, to base 12by suitable bolts, rubber sleeves and other cushion members. Theforegoing construction properly insulates the motor and other parts fromthe cabinet base thereby substantially insuring isolation of the cabinetfrom the vibration of the power unit.

The lower front and rear portions of the cabinet are open, the formerbeing provided with a hinged closure 15 having suitably located airoutlets for promoting the circulation of air through the lower chamber16 of the cabinet. A partition 17, comprising a stout board, isconveniently supported in the cabinet 10 and apertured as illustrated.Disposed on said partition is a heavy cork mat 18, upon which rests anearthenware or no stone jar 19 and surrounding these members and betweenthem and the cabinet walls, a body of hair felt 20 is tightly packed.The cabinet top includes a removable closure or lid 21 for affordingaccess to the receptacle 19.

A beverage conduit 22 extends through the receptacle 19, being in liquidtight relationship with the walls thereof, and after passing through thefront wall of cabinet 10, terminates in a, service faucet 23. Thatportion 22a of conduit 22, within receptacle 19, is suitably coiled anddisposed adjacent the inner periphery of the receptacle, although anyother convenient manner of exposing the conduit 22 to a thermal mediumin the jar 19 may be employed. A three-way valve 24 having a port 25, isinterposed in conduit 22, whereby the beverage may be tapped throughfaucet 23 either from the coil 22a or from the well 26, as hereinafterdescribed.

As illustrated, the partition 17, cork mat 18 and base of jar 19 aresuitably apertured in alignment whereby to accommodate certain parts ofthe refrigerating system. A refrigerating surface in the form of asturdy metal dome 27 is disposed within jar 19 and over the aperturedportion thereof, being in liquid tight relation therewith. The cavitybetween the dome base and retaining member 28 is suitably packed in anymanner, as by hair felt 29.

A suitable drain 30 and drain pipe 31 is provided, as illustrated. Theinlet to conduit 22 may be connected with any desirable beverage supply,whereby such beverage is led through coils 22a to outlet 23. In thepresent embodiment, a connection adapted for ready connection with adomestic or municipal service water supply, is provided in form ofconduit 32, filter 33 and pipe 34 terminating in the inlet connection35.

The automatic refrigerating system, a major portion of which issupported on foundation 14 and within the cabinet 10, comprises theexpansion or refrigerating chamber 40 defined by dome 2'7, an overflowor outlet conduit 41 leading to the intake or suction side of compressor42, a discharge conduit 43 connecting the discharge or pressure side ofsaid compressor with a condenser 44, which latter is connected tochamber 40 in dome 27, by means of conduit 45, storage reservoir 46 andconduit 47. A fluid supply connection 56 is provided in suction line 41,and screens or strainers are disposed in the system at convenientpoints, as for example, at the compressor intake and in advance of thedischarge from conduit 47 into chamber 40.

Energy for driving the compressor is provided in the form of motor 48,having one end of its armature equipped with a fan or other coolingmeans 49 for the condenser 44, while the other end of said armature issuitably connected to the shaft 50 of the compressor. Said shaft isjournaled in bearing 51 which is lubricated, as hereinafter described,through pipe 52 connected with conduit 43. Current for driving the motoris supplied through wire 53 extending to the thermostatically operatedswitch 54, which is disposed in chamber 40 of dome 27, and thence to themotor. The free end of wire 53 has a service plug55 for ready attachmentto any convenient electric power line, as for example a wall socket.

It is notable that the system-above described provides an air-tightcirculatory system for a fluid medium, is devoid of valves, regulatorsand other movable mechanical-parts, as clearly seen in the diagram ofFigure 3, and that free communication exists between the expansionchamber 40 and both sides of the compressor 42.

Referring more particularly to Figure 4, it is notable that the highpressure line from the compressor 42 terminates within chamber 40 in anozzle 57 having a pin hole orifice 58. Preferably a rose 59, withlateral and longitudinal apertures, is disposed over such orifice asillustrated in Figure 5. The high pressure line terminates with theorifice body 57 disposed in the lower portion of chamber 40, while thelow pressure line extends well into said chamber having the overflow orsuction inlet 41a disposed in the upper portion thereof. If desired, themember 410 may be replaced by the positive feed overflow pipe 41b,illustrated in Figure 6, wherein conduit 41 extends well into chamber 40and is surrounded by pipe 60 defining an annular channel or well 61therebetween.. Said channel 61, houses one or more wicks 62, extendingfrom the bottom thereof, upward through the channel, over the top ofpipe 60 and down along the sides thereof, as illustrated. Communicationbetween the well 61 and conduit 41 is afforded through lateral port 63in the latter.

Referring more particularly to the refrigerating system, the presentimprovements preferably contemplate the employment of a medium to becirculated, possessing the qualities of heat extraction as well aslubricating qualities. The former characteristic obviously is utilizedfor cooling, preserving or freezing purposes, while the latter providesan automatic lubricating service for the moving parts of the system, andat the same time serves to regulate the inception of and mosteffectively apply the refrigerating characteristics. The medium devisedfor carrying this unique combination of purposes consists of an intimatemixture of methyl chloride and a lubricating oil of prescribedviscosity.

A quantity of this mixture is supplied to the system, through port 56,under the suction influence of the compressor 42 and obtains throughoutall the communicating parts of the system. When the motor and compressorare operating the level of the medium in chamber 40 is substantiallyflush with the end of pipe 41a, while that level recedes somewhat at thetime the motor and compressor are idle and the system is inert.

Upon reference to Figure 3, the cycle through which the medium isdirected and the novel methods practiced will be more apparent. Uponoperation of the motor and compressor, suction is established on the lowside of the compressor, whereby a low pressure region is set up inconduits 41, 41a and space 65 above the surface of the medium in chamber40. As the methyl chloride has a boiling point of less than 20 0., thislow pressure line contains the oil, and the chemical in a. vaporized orgaseous state. The medium obtaining in these pipes is impelled into thecompressor where it is highly compressed, heated and discharged throughconduit 43, in which the oil and vapor are in heated condition and underhigh pressure, preferably eightly-five pounds.

Thence the oil and vapor are led to condenser 44, where the latter iscondensed and the resulting liquid chemical and oil are conveyed underpressure to reservoir 46 and conduit 47. In this state the liquids aredischarged through orifice 58 into expansion chamber 40.

It is notable that at the time of such discharge, that the chamber 40 isunder very low pressure, with a sub atmospheric area obtaining in space65. The liquid in the chamber 40 is therefore boil- I ing or in a stateof violent ebullition causing its;

level to foam and reach the outlet at 41a. The sudden release of theliquid chemical from a state under pressure to the low pressure chamber40, through orifice 58, obviously causes same to change its state. Thisconversion from the liquid state to the vapor or gaseous state obviouslyis accomplished by great surrender of heat from the surrounding oil inchamber 40 as well as from the walls of dome 2'1.

The foregoing vaporization of the methyl chloride takes place in thepresence of the oil, which latter serves as a blanket or deterent aswell as a diffuser. The oil body obtaining above and about orifice 58,compels the nascent vapor-to be discharged thereinto, and primarily saidoil serves to regulate the emission of the oncoming medium from conduit47 with the attendant result that the vaporization is controlled andregulated by the presence of the more dense liquid. The body of oiltherefore, capping orifice 58, insures only a predetermined dischargeinto the expansion chamber and acts, in a sense, as a liquid regulatoror valve, insuring a uniform flow with the attendant uniformvaporization and refrigerating effect.

Obviously, the oncoming supply of oil through orifice 58, provides asupply of that liquid at all times within the chamber 40 and theprovision of the reservoir 46 constantly insures a required volumetherein.

The uniformity with which the walls of dome 2'7 are cooled is ascribedto the dissipation or distribution of the chemical within the oil, the"blanket of oil causing the chemical to be directed laterally throughoutits body. The rose 59 is preferably utilized to increase this lateraldissipation through the chamber. Obviously, therefore, the vaporizationof those globules of liquid chemical, not already converted to vapor,may take place at distributed points in the chamber 40, with theattendant distribution of the heat extraction;

Due to the pressure differential between the high and low sides of thesystem and for other reasons, the nascent vapor molecules ascend throughthe oil in chamber 40 and emerge through the surface into space whencethey are drawn off through pipes 41a and 41. Concurrently with thisresult, the oil is foaming over and also drawn down said conduits to thecompressor. The theory of operation just described is assumed, since noopportunity is afforded for observing the action. However, as the chosenchemical is very soluble, it may exist in solution with the oil, inwhich event the oil with the vapor in solution is drawn off into the lowpressure line. In any case, the oil and vapor having servedthepreviously ascribed functions. return to the compressortobegin a newcycle.

The foregoing cycle is repeated indefinitely so long as the motoroperates, the usual pressure at- 27 raises sufliciently to cause thethermostat to connect the current and incept the circulating cycle,which automatically continues, as described, until cut 08.

The application of this refrigerating function to the chosen beverage isillustrated also in Figure 3., Water or any other good thermal conductoris placed in the well 26 of receptacle 19 until the dome 2'7 and coils22a are completely submerged. The conduit 22 is attached to the desiredsource of supply, as illustrated, to a city water supply whereby waterobtains throughout coils 22a up to faucet 23. Plug 55 is connected tothe electric line and the refrigerating system functions as described,with the consequent vaporization of the chemical in dome 27 and theattendant surrender of heat by the oil, dome walls, water in well 26 andwater in coils 22a.

When the desired temperature is attained, the v Referring moreparticularly to some other novel details of construction, it is notablethat the modified form of suction inlet 41a illustrated in Figure 6 maybe employed in dome 27. When this member is used, the oil is positivelycarried over from chamber 40 by wicks 62 into well 61 whence it issucked through port 63 to the compressor, while the vapor may be drawntherethrough as well as through the top of conduit 41.

Although some other liquid regulator may be employed in practicing theimproved method, oil has preferably been chosen due to its lubricatingcharacteristics. It is apparent, therefore, that concurrently with therefrigerating cycle described, the moving and bearing parts of thecompressor as well as the entire system is bathed in lubricant wherebythe system is automatically lubricated by a circulating system of oil.This feature is of distinct advantage in raising the efficiency andprolonging the life of the compressorand system. The bearing 51 inwhich, the terminal of shaft 50 is journaled is also automaticallylubricated, by the pipe 52, through which a small portion of thecirculating oil of the system may be tapped from the pressure line.

Although not essential to the valveless cycle heretofore described, acheck valve 66 may be disposed in pressure line 43 adjacent thecompressor 42, as seen in Figure '7. This'provision retards theaction'of thermostat 54, by preventing the transfer of heat from thepressure line back through the suction line. In this manner the actionof thermostat is not disturbed by abnormal heat.

A novel feature of the present improvements resides in the compressor 42which has a reciprocating piston functioning with a rotary motion, thelatter taken from the armature of member '12, between which member 72and each end bearing are plates 73, '74 defining cylinders 75 and 76.The suction inlet port 141 connects with the cylinder chambers 75, 76through port 77 in bearing '12, while the pressure outlet port 143communicates withsaidchambersthrough port '78. The shaft 50, journaledin the bearings, supports cylindrical pistons 79 and 80, located in saidchambers, the peripherial diameters of said pistons being less than theinterior diameter of their respective chambers, so that they will bepermitted to oscillate therein.

While pistons '79 and 80 are axially bored to receive shaft 50, thelatter is provided with eccentric cranks 81 which are journaled in thebores. Accordingly rotary motion of shaft 50, imparts a rotary as wellas reciprocating motion to said pistons. The toggle 82 has at one-end anenlarged head 83 journaled in a recess in the valve body, while at itsother end a similar head 84 is journaled in a recess in the piston 79. Atoggle member of this type'is provided for each piston so that as theshaft 50 and cranks 81 are rotated, said toggles will hold or guide thepistons so that they will be reciprocated or oscillated in theirrespective chambers.

It is notable that in each instance the piston, its toggle and the platedefining the chamber for housing same are of substantially the samewidth, so that the piston and toggle have a substantially air-tight fitwith the adjacent chamber walls. Accordingly the toggle members serve asmovable partitions to preserve the isolation of the suction area 141afrom the pressure area As the motor turns shaft 50, the cranks 81 causethe pistons to shift their positions in the chambers, during whichmovement the outer peripheries contact at some point with the chamberwalls and because of the different diameters of the pistons and chambersas well as the eccentric movement of the former, said pistons willcontact progressively at points throughout the 360 of the chamber walls.The arrangement of these members is such that a circumferentiallytraveling pocket 85, simulating an almost closed crescent in shape,results in each piston chamber. The combined reciprocating and rotatingmovement of the pistons causes these pockets to travel in advancethereof, at one time communicating with suction area 141a, from which itis out off subsequently by the progressing contact points, whence thepocket comes into communication with pressure outlet 143a.

Accordingly the oil and vapor are drawn into said pockets, compressedand discharged with each 360 rotation of the shaft 50. For obviousreasons, the pistons are oppositely disposed so that one cylinder isinhaling while the other isexhaling and vice versa. The efiiciency anddurability of this novel compressor for gaseous products cannot beover-emphasized, since it embodies a minimum of movable parts, elminatestroublesome valves, and is constantly automatically lubricated. It isnotable that the air-tight relation of the parts is supplemented by afilm of oil which is onmipresent, to serve as a seal wherever required.

In employing this improved compressor, the present improvements furtherinsure long life and efficiency of the system, which is taxed frequentlyand under varying conditions, by providing a durable and leak proofpacking for the shaft 50. This novel feature, illustrated in Figure 11,comprises a diaphragm packing including a fluted or corrugatedcylindrical metal body-"90, with the open ends thereof suitably solderedor otherwise secured to annular face members 91, 92. A coil spring 93housed within these elements engages the members 91 and 92,

separates same and affords a resilient relative oscillation of saidmembers.

The application of this diaphragm seal is illustrated in Figure 2,wherein this member is shown disposed in operative position. The bore offace member 92 is suitably formed to have a frictional and grippingcontact with the shaft 50 and is conveniently located thereon so as tomaintain the bearing face of member 91 resiliently in sealing relationwith the adjacent compressor shaft bearing. It is notable that thisdiaphragm seal rotates with the shaft, while spring 93 urges andmaintains member 91 in intimate contact with the compressor membersurrounding the shaft. The frictional engagement of member 92 and shaft50 permits adjustment of the former longitudinally of the shaft wherebyto appropriately adjust the sealing relation. A fixed sleeve 94,attached to the compressor, serves to shield and protect the diaphragmpacking.

In Figure 12, the improvements are illustrated in conjunction withcompartments 96 for the manufacture of ice. This commodity mayaccordingly be produced by the disclosed system with slightmodifications, such as altering the character and amount of the oilregulator and/or increasing the proportion of chemical.

It is apparent that the herein described methods may be practiced invarious ways, the illustrated means being but one application orembodiment for practicing same. For example, the refrigerating functionmay be regulated in various ways by altering the character and amount ofthe oil in chamber 40, or by employing a medium other than that setforth. Although found preferable, applicant does not wish to limithimself to the use of any beverages, fluids, liquids, etc.mentioned,.since same are catalogued as exemplary. The presentimprovements are adapted, as is obvious, for the cooling of circulatingbrine, and may be employed in numerous other relations.

Although the compressor 42 has been illustrated and described as havingthe inlet 141 and outlet 143 disposed in the end block 70, the presentimprovements contemplate the location of said port members in theintermediate bearing plate designated 72. The suction inlet 141 wouldaccordingly communicate directly with port 77, while the pressure outlet143 would communicate directly with port 78. The major portion of plate'70, in that event would be formed like present plate 71, and, beingintermediate the cylinders, the inlet and outlet of the compressor wouldcommunicate directly with the cylinder chambers. This provisionincreases the efiiciency of the outboard cylinder 76 more than thirtyper cent.

The modification of the orifice 58, dome 27, liquid regulator,receptacle 19, and each and all parts of the system may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present improvements.Accordingly changes resorted to in the form, construction andarrangement of parts, as well as in the methods herein disclosed, aredeemed within the purview of the inventive concepts set forth, and it isunderstood that the invention is not restricted to the particularconstruction shown and described herein.

I claim:

1. In a refrigerating system having a compressor, an expansion chambercomprising a vessel, an inlet conduit for said vessel communicating withsaid compressor, an overflow conduit for said vessel communicatingwithsaid compressor,

said conduit having a plurality of spaced inlets, a pipe surroundingsaid conduit and defining an annular channel with which one of saidinlets communicates, and wick means establishing communication betweensaid channel, its communieating inlet and said expansion chamber.

2. In a refrigerating system having a compressor, an expansion chambercomprising a vessel, an inlet conduit for said vessel communicating withsaid compressor, an overflow conduit for

